Ruud van Nistelrooy made key Manchester United promise just days before Erik ten Hag sacking

Ruud van Nistelrooy promised Manchester United fans the team wouldn't give up - just days before being named as the club's interim manager after the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday.

Ten Hag's reign as United manager ended on Monday afternoon in the wake of Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United.

The Dutchman was appointed in April 2022 and won the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two campaigns at Old Trafford but United's dismal form in both the Premier League and Europa League had made his position unattainable.

READ MORE: LIVE Ten Hag sacked reaction

READ MORE: Ten Hag sacked

A club statement issued on Monday afternoon confirmed Van Nistelrooy would take over the reins as interim manager while a permanent replacement for Ten Hag is sought. The statement said: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.

"Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

The appointment of the former United and Holland forward comes just days after he issued a promise to United supporters in the wake of last week's Europa League draw with Fenerbahce.

Writing on X less than 24 hours after the draw in Istanbul, Van Nistelrooy said: "We are Manchester United and we’re never gonna stop."

The 48-year-old started his career in his native Holland before taking over the reins at PSV Eindhoven in March 2022, where he won the Dutch Cup before resigning the